Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi expressed understanding of U.S. President Joe Biden's announcement of sanctions on Myanmar's military following the coup in the Southeast Asian country.
"The limited restrictions are a way of reaching out to Myanmar," Motegi said at a press conference Friday.
The Japanese government, which has expressed caution about sanctions, is lobbying for the release of State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi through dialogue with the military.
"We would like to cooperate closely with the United States and allied nations while fulfilling Japan's role, including lobbying the military," Motegi said.
Motegi and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken exchanged views on how to respond to the situation in Myanmar in telephone talks on Wednesday.
According to sources, Blinken informed Motegi of the plan to impose sanctions on Myanmar's military and Motegi outlined Japan's policy.
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